I understand the decision process on Modano's part, but if it's affecting other signings, particularly Darren Helm who I'd much rather sign than Mikey, I say pull the offer. I don't see that he brings anything to the table worth waiting for.

Do you guys really think that holland and all of them would screw up a chance of signing someone like helm? I mean really. From the comment holland said earlier they pretty much know hes gonna sign with us..its just a matter of time. why rush it really...only to make us feel better? hehehe. trust me i would love for it to be over with already but they know what they are doing. I say we just sit back and let it happen. if they don't sign mod than who cares we just go after someone else. we will sign helm no matter what happens. you know that. and i know that hossa was pretty much a lock for a resign and look what happened. it happens and if it happens with mod then oh well..our team is set already pretty much anyways.

Can finally let out a huge sigh of relief. Not that I was like ALL ABOUT the Modano signing, but its been a just agonizing wait. Especially with all the Sharks and Wild rumors. Really hope this is happening. This can now pave the way for Abby and Helmer.

Now reading something on nhl.com that it may not happen until August 1st. Whatever it is, it is a done deal by all accounts. More excited than I thought I would be lol....

Wow now it's a two yr deal? Quick someone tell Holland to go watch some games of his from last year. He doesn't have much left to give anymore. He certainly doesn't warrant pushing Helm down to the third 4th line. Helm would pot at least 15 goals this year with Hudler on his line IMO.

Hudler with Helm would do wonders for Helm's production... but what would it do to Hudler's? He certainly wouldn't hit that 50-60 point mark that he's expected to.

Modano is a better center and is much better offensively than Helm is right now. If its a 2 year deal I could almost realistically see Modano being the 3rd line center this next season, and then Helm taking over the season with Mikey down to the 4th.

And about us having too many forwards. For the nineteenth kabajilionth time.... people will be traded before the season starts. Its that simple. Holland signed them to create competition and retain assets for trades should we have any major holes that need be filled.

Detroit coach Mike Babcock firmly believes it's only a matter of time before Mike Modano signs with the Red Wings.

Modano, an unrestricted free agent, is reportedly being courted by the Red Wings, Minnesota and San Jose, but Babcock met with him in Detroit earlier in the week and the vibe he got suggests that the former Dallas Stars great is intrigued by the idea of going home to Michigan.

Modano was born in Livonia, Mich., which is only a short drive from Joe Louis Arena.

"This is a no brainer for Mike Modano -- the highest scoring American player of all time to come back to your hometown, play in Hockeytown," Babcock told NHL.com Friday. "It's not about the cash, it's about the legacy and the fit. He'll fit and he'll be excited to play. I look forward to him signing. I think that's inevitable. I think that's what is going to happen."

Babcock, of course, was smart enough to leave himself an out, just in case.

"I think this is all going to work out; I'm pretty certain of that for us, but I've been around before and if you would have told me Jiri Hudler was leaving for Russia, I wouldn't have believed it," he said. "I've been wrong. Some people think I have the market cornered on being wrong."

Babcock, though, thinks he's got this one right. Yet, he doesn't want to get in Modano's way either. Since his meeting with Modano earlier in the week he has sent him a text message, but otherwise has left him be to make his decision on his own.

He doesn't expect Modano to decide until Aug. 1 -- at the earliest.

"These veteran players, why would they be in a hurry? Why not see how your body feels?" Babcock said. "There is no question Mike plays physically, but does he want to go through the grind again. In Detroit, it won't be a grind if we've got all of our players. We'll get 100 points and you'll get the puck on your tape."

Babcock not only believes that Modano will play one season in Detroit, but he thinks he'll re-up for a second, too.

"I think we're a good fit for him and I think he knows it," Babcock said. "I know the veteran players we have dealt with over the years, so I'm a big believer if Mike Modano comes to Detroit he won't be here for one year, he'll play for two."